Schools
Iowa City OKs Grant Application for Armed Officers in Schools, But Some Question if Needed
Iowa City says officers in schools could help build relationships between public and police, and aid the balance of security and handling matters within the school.
If a grant application for hiring police officers is successful, Iowa City intends to place armed officers in the two local high schools.
City officials say the officers will help build relationship between the public and police and better balance security and dealing with issues within the schools. Opponents question the benefits of placing armed officers in the schools and the the school district will assume the cost when the grant expires.
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Iowa City Council members OK'd a request to apply for the grant at Tuesday night's meeting by a 6-1 vote.
"I think this is an opportunity to take a real leadership position and try to build some ties between the police department and the youth in this community,” current council member and former school board member Susan Mims said, according to a Gazette article.
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Council member Jim Throgmorton opposed saying he felt youth would be more likely rather than less likely to fall into the criminal justice system. A community member, Julie VanDyke, also spoke against it saying it would have adverse affects on relationships and also the cost of the school district, which would take on cost to match the grant and then assume the financial burden when the three-year grant expires.
The school board is expected to vote on the grant application at a meeting next Tuesday, according to the Gazette.
In a memo from Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine, he said the principal and superintendent support this grant application.
A meeting with ICCSD Superintendent Stephen Murley occurred to discuss the possibility of pursuing this grant opportunity. Mr. Murley indicated that he and the high school principals were in favor of seeking SRO positions. It was discussed and understood that the ICCSD would have to fund the match through the life of the grant, and after the grant is exhausted, pay for 100% of the officer's salaries.
The grant would cover $125,000 over three years, and the local cost is $211,500 over four years.
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